Approximately 90 Bomb Threats Have Been Called Into Jewish Institutions Since Start of 2017

New York, NY, February 27, 2017 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has issued a Security Advisory to Jewish institutions across the country following a new wave of bomb threats to Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) and day schools in several states.

The latest round of threats has struck at least 12 states, including Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. This is the fifth wave of threats that has been called into JCCs in recent weeks. ADL has tallied at least 20 threats today and approximately 90 bomb threats to Jewish institutions since the beginning of 2017.

“While this latest round of bomb threats to Jewish Community Centers and day schools across the country again appears to not be credible, we are nonetheless urging all Jewish institutions to review their procedures,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “Since the start of 2017, we have witnessed nearly 90 bomb threats being called into Jewish institutions – including one recently to ADL’s national headquarters.

“We are taking this very seriously and will continue to work intimately with federal and local law enforcement – in addition to our community partners across the country -- as they cope during this difficult time,” Mr. Greenblatt said. “Unfortunately, bomb threats are not the only manifestation of anti-Semitism in recent weeks as we have seen Jewish cemetery desecrations strike St. Louis and Philadelphia.”

In response to the threats, ADL’s Security Advisory included several action steps:

Review the Bomb Threat Guidance provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security;

ADL is the world’s leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education, and fighting hate online, ADL is the first call when acts of anti-Semitism occur. ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate.